The iliolumbar artery arises from the posterior division of the internal iliac artery and ascends posterior to the common iliac vessels and the obturator nerve to reach the iliac fossa. It divides into an iliac branch (supplying the iliacus and the iliac bone) and a lumbar branch (anastomosing with the lumbar arteries and supplying the quadratus lumborum and the L5 nerve root). Its ascending course behind the sacroiliac joint makes it relevant in posterior pelvic ring surgery.
| Origin | Posterior division of the internal iliac artery |
|---|---|
| Course | Ascends laterally in front of the sacroiliac joint and lumbosacral trunk, behind the obturator nerve and external iliac vessels, to reach the medial border of psoas, where it divides |
| Branches |
|
The iliolumbar artery ascends close to the sacroiliac joint and is at risk during posterior pelvic ring fixation and sacroiliac approaches, where a drill or screw can puncture it and cause hidden retroperitoneal bleeding. It can also be encountered in anterior lumbosacral approaches. In pelvic fractures involving the posterior iliac wing it is a recognised bleeding source, controlled by selective embolisation. Its lumbar branch anastomoses with the lower lumbar arteries, providing a collateral pathway when the iliac arteries are occluded.
The iliolumbar artery ascending posterior to the SI joint is at risk during posterior iliac screw insertion for posterior pelvic ring fixation; inadvertent vessel puncture with the drill or screw produces retroperitoneal haemorrhage in the posterior pelvis that may not be immediately apparent intraoperatively; angiographic embolisation controls bleeding if haemostasis cannot be achieved surgically.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
